Where should I position the greenhouse?

Although there is no clear-cut answer, here, too, you need to consider what you intend to use the greenhouse for. If the greenhouse will solely be used to lengthen and optimise the growing season, you will benefit from some of the tips provided below.

If you also want to be able to enjoy relaxing in your greenhouse, then it is a good idea to place it near your patio or the most frequently-used part of your garden. This way, the greenhouse will become a natural part of your everyday life, and you will enjoy it the most.Whether to align it on a north–south or east–west axis depends on several factors. For instance, how early in the year you want to begin, whether you have glass or polycarbonate glazing, and the plants you want to grow. The guidelines below are only suggestions, as there are as many opinions on this topic as there are garden owners, but the guidelines are particularly good if you are a first-time buyer.

The north–south axis is ideal for greenhouses glazed with glass. When the sun rises in the east, your greenhouse will heat up quickly. When the sun is due south at noon, the narrowest side faces the sun, which prevents overheating. And when the sun sets in the west, the greenhouse soaks in the last warming rays of sunshine.

The east–west axis position is ideal if you want to get off to an early start in spring and if you have decided on a greenhouse glazed with polycarbonate. In early spring, most sunlight comes from the south-east to the south-west, and positioning the long side of the greenhouse southwards provides maximum sunlight for your plants. This is particularly important for a greenhouse glazed with polycarbonate, because its growing season can be longer than if it was on a north-south axis.

TIP: PROVIDE SHELTER.As wind has a cooling effect on a greenhouse, reduce this effect by sheltering it with a hedge or fence. Also, make sure not to position the greenhouse near big trees. They will cast shadows on the greenhouse, and falling branches can damage glass and frames.